**Warning for UK Holidaymakers as Victorian-Era Disease Sees Alarming Increase**
Holidaymakers in the UK are being urged to exercise extra caution following a notable surge in cases of typhoid fever—an illness often associated with the Victorian era but still prevalent in certain global regions today. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared concern after observing an 8% year-on-year increase, with 702 cases reported in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Typhoid and its related infection, paratyphoid fever, are serious illnesses caused by the Salmonella bacteria. People usually contract these diseases through the consumption of food or water contaminated by human waste; issues like poor sanitation and lack of clean water infrastructure remain at the heart of the problem in many countries. While these illnesses once posed significant threats in the UK during the Victorian era, modern sanitation has since reduced domestic cases to near zero. However, travel to areas with lower hygiene standards can still pose significant risks for today’s tourists.
Notably, the UKHSA has drawn attention to a concerning trend: growing antibiotic resistance in typhoid cases traced to Pakistan, making standard treatments less effective and increasing the risk of severe complications. This has prompted renewed warnings for Britons heading to regions where the disease is endemic, underscoring the need for careful preparation ahead of travel.
Another vector-borne threat remains ever-present: malaria. Although cases have slightly declined from 2,106 in 2023 to 1,812 in 2024, imported malaria still far exceeds the number typically seen just a few years ago. The majority of these cases are linked to travel during the peak summer months, between July and October, and mostly involve individuals returning from malaria-endemic countries. Despite the preventable nature of the disease through the correct use of antimalarial medications, failures in taking proper precautions continue to expose travellers to life-threatening risks.
Public health professionals are keen for people to prepare thoroughly before travelling abroad, even if the destination is familiar or the trip is to visit relatives. Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, has advised: “We’re seeing persistently high levels of travel-related infectious diseases such as malaria and typhoid among people returning to the UK. Travellers need to be alert and make sure they plan for their health needs before going abroad.”
Special advice is available for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and those planning to conceive, as they may require additional precautions. The Travel Health Pro website is recommended as a comprehensive source of up-to-date advice on vaccination requirements, medication recommendations, and tips for preventing gastrointestinal illnesses abroad.
The African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) has drawn particular attention to the high rates of malaria among Black African communities returning from travel in Africa. Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, one of the co-founders, announced a forthcoming ‘Africans Against Malaria’ campaign to challenge misconceptions, address behavioural barriers to malaria prevention, and guide people on obtaining the necessary prophylactic medications.
Encouragingly, cases of dengue—a different mosquito-borne illness—have decreased in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in early 2025 compared to last year. Still, the UKHSA has stressed vigilance, given the global rise in dengue outbreaks and its association with travel to countries such as Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.
To reduce their risk, travellers are being urged to seek medical advice from their GP, pharmacist, or a specialist travel clinic at least four to six weeks before their journey. Depending on the destination, some may be eligible for free typhoid vaccination through the NHS, although no vaccine currently exists for paratyphoid. Other crucial measures include keeping up-to-date with essential vaccines, obtaining the correct malaria medication, and ensuring valid travel insurance is in place.
For those heading to countries where diseases are spread by insects such as dengue, malaria, or Zika, UKHSA recommends the use of insect repellent, keeping exposed skin covered, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets when necessary. Authorities stress that simple health measures and early planning can dramatically reduce the risk of contracting these preventable diseases.
Ultimately, the recent data serves as a reminder that while international travel opens many opportunities, it also requires careful consideration and preparation to avoid bringing home unwanted health risks.